Rufus Frederick King (1893–1966) was an American mystery writer who made significant contributions to the mid-twentieth-century whodunit genre. Born in January 1893, King became known for his intricate puzzle plots and the creation of several distinct detective characters who anchored his various short stories and novels. His career spanned several decades, during which he successfully navigated the evolving landscape of American crime fiction.
King is perhaps best remembered for creating Lieutenant Valcour, his most famous and enduring series detective. Before Valcour, King introduced readers to Reginald De Puyster, a sophisticated investigator whose style drew comparisons to S.S. Van Dine's famous sleuth, Philo Vance. These early works established King's reputation for crafting clever, atmospheric mysteries that appealed to fans of classic detective fiction.
In addition to his novel-length works, King was a prolific contributor to mystery magazines. During the early 1940s, he penned a series of stories featuring the character Colin Starr for the prestigious Strand Magazine. Later in his career, during the mid-1950s, he introduced Chief Bill Dugan, a character who appeared in popular digests such as The Saint Mystery Magazine and Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine. King passed away in February 1966, leaving behind a diverse legacy of classic American detective fiction.
